Summary
The Guardian has announced it will stop posting on Elon Musk’s platform, X, citing “often disturbing content” such as far-right conspiracy theories and racism.
The news outlet, with 27 million followers across over 80 accounts, stated that the US presidential election coverage on X reinforced its view that the platform had become “toxic.”
While The Guardian’s official accounts will withdraw, reporters may still use X for newsgathering.
This move follows similar actions by NPR, PBS, and other organizations concerned about the platform’s content standards under Musk’s ownership.
I live paycheck to paycheck and have a family to support. What preparation do you think I’m going to do beyond grabbing my ankles and praying?
Joining mutual aid groups, coops, triple-checking that you don’t have any subscriptions you don’t absolutely need and doing your best to just use FOSS (it’s free!) instead for the sake of your own limited paycheck, triple-check that you’re taking advantage of the free programs and resources available to you like libraries and buy-nothing collectives, try growing a bit of your own food in used jars and buckets, encourage your children to also take advantage of the free resources they might not even know are available to them and ways to save even more by simply reusing every last bit they can if they aren’t already? Get to know your neighbors if you have any time left in your day, parents of your kids’ classmates? I don’t know your situation - none of these might be realistic for you - but those are some of the free ways I could think of off the top of my head for preparing.
Buy canned goods, look into how to perserve food, look into local support groups, and co-ops for social and food aspects.
Look into VPNs to make sure you have the ability to see what’s going on and not be limited internet wise.
Look into running for your local government, school board, whatever you can to limit the effect these assholes can do.
that’s the question everyone needs to be sitting down and thinking about. there’s no one answer for everyone, but “do nothing” isn’t one i would settle for
I’m glad you’ve got options.